Court should not intervene in political matters; PAT tells SC

ISLAMABAD- The Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) today requested the Supreme Court to dismiss a petition relating to extra-constitutional steps and sit-ins in the federal capital, saying that the court should not intervene in political matters as it violated the Constitution.

Earlier on Wednesday, the apex court had directed leaders of political parties to submit their suggestions by today to end the ongoing political stalemate during the hearing of the plea against protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and PAT.

PAT's counsel Advocate Ali Zafar submitted the party's response today which stated that the court should order the government to respond to the demands of protesters and that judicial intervention in electoral matters violated the Constitution.

The response said that as per the Constitution, sensitive election matters were the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan and that it was the job of the commission to expose electoral frauds.

The reply also underscored that it was the government's responsibility to end the crisis which can be done through dialogue.

Moreover, the response said that the Parliament should play a role in resolving the political deadlock, adding that it should not step in the government’s shoes.

PAT respects the Parliament but also holds the right to object to its workings and genuinely wants a solution to the crisis, the answer said.

The response also stressed that it was the fundamental right of the party to hold protests.

Earlier on September 2, the apex court had issued notices to all parliamentary parties as requested by Zulfiqar Naqvi who had petitioned that all parties be summoned so that the deadlock can be resolved.